Billiard cue having a haft portion with a reverse taper

ABSTRACT

A billiard cue is provided comprising an elongate rod having a ball striking tip at a first end thereof, and a haft portion extending along one-third of the length of the rod from the second end thereof. The haft portion is wider than the tip and has a first tapered section narrowing toward the second end. In use in striking a ball, the cue may be held at a position along the haft portion closer to the second end than an associated widest part of the first tapered section.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to equipment forplaying the game of billiards and more specifically relates to billiardcues and billiard cue assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In billiards (which, as used below, is intended to refer to allbilliards games, including snooker, pool and carom), a billiard cue isused to strike a ball. A billiard cue is a tapered rod having a tip atone end for striking a ball, and a butt end at the opposite end. Thehalf of the tapered rod adjoining the butt end is typically called thebutt, while the half of the tapered rod adjoining the tip is typicallycalled the shaft. Often, the shaft and butt portion are detachable. Inuse in striking a ball, the billiard cue is typically held at a haftportion close to the butt end.

[0003] The taper provided to the rod is typically a positive taper. Thatis, the thickness of the billiard cue will gradually diminish movingaway from the butt end towards the tip. At some segments of the rod, thelength may remain constant. For example, it is common for billiard cuesto have a positive taper along the butt and at that portion of the shaftthat is closer to the butt, and to have a portion of the shaft closer tothe tip that is of substantially constant thickness.

[0004] To use the billiard cue, a user will typically hold the cue alonga haft portion adjoining the butt end of the cue, and will provide abridge for a shaft of the cue using the other hand. The user then movesthe billiard cue in a direction substantially parallel to thelongitudinal dimension of the cue, to strike the cue ball into the otherballs. The user sights along the cue to the bridge hand to aim the shot.

[0005] When the cue strikes the cue ball, there will be some jarring ofthe cue as momentum is transferred to the cue ball. This jarring isincreased for break shots or for shots that are delivered off the sideof the billiard table, which must be delivered with great force, butalso with great accuracy. This jarring may cause the user's hand to slipforwardly on the haft portion, possibly causing the shot to go astray.

[0006] It is also important that a user be able to consistently placetheir hand on the same place on the cue, as placement of the hand ondifferent positions on the cue will add an additional variable that mayaffect any shot that is made. Specifically, the position of the hand onthe cue will affect the elbow and arm position. In billiards, precisionand accuracy are absolutely crucial. Thus, it is important, that aplayer consistently adopt a consistent position in order to provide themuscle memory required for this precision and accuracy. Professionalscan often tell where their hand is on a cue. However, less experiencedplayers will often vary their hand position without realizing it.

[0007] Accordingly, a cue that impedes the gripping hand from movingforward on the haft portion of the cue, and thus permits a user to holdthe cue with a lighter touch, is desirable, as is a cue that helps auser to consistently place the gripping hand at the same point along thelength of the cue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide animproved billiard cue that addresses these points, obviating ormitigating the problems of known cues.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a billiard cue. The billiard cue comprises an elongate rodhaving a ball striking tip at a first end thereof, and a haft portionextending along one-third of the length of the rod from the second endthereof. The haft portion is wider than the tip and has a first taperedsection narrowing toward the second end. In use in striking a ball, thecue may be held at a position along the haft portion closer to thesecond end than an associated widest part of the first tapered section.

[0010] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,there is provided a butt of a billiard cue assembly for attachment to ashaft of the billiard cue assembly to form a billiard cue. The shaft hasa ball striking tip at one end thereof and an attachment means at theopposite end thereof. The butt comprises a mating attachment means atone end thereof for attachment to the attachment means of the shaft toattach the shaft and the butt together; a second end at the other endthereof; and, a haft portion extending along two-thirds of the length ofthe butt from the second end thereof. The haft portion is wider than thetip and has a first tapered section narrowing toward the second end. Inuse in striking a ball, the cue may be held at a position along the haftportion closer to the second end than an associated widest part of thefirst tapered section.

[0011] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, thereis provided grip for attachment to a butt of a billiard cue. Thebilliard cue has a ball striking tip at a first end thereof, and a haftportion extending along one-third of the length of the cue from a secondend thereof. The grip is adapted for mounting on the cue and comprisesan inner surface adapted to retain the grip on the haft portion when thegrip is mounted on the cue; and, an outer surface providing a firsttapered section narrowing toward the second end of the cue when the gripis mounted thereon. When the grip is mounted on such a cue, the cue may,in use in striking a ball, be held by the grip at a position on the gripcloser to the second end than an associated widest part of the firsttapered section of the grip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A detailed description of the preferred embodiments is providedherein below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1A, in a side view, illustrates a billiard cue in accordancewith a first embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 1B, in a side view, illustrates a billiard cue assembly inaccordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 2, in a side view, illustrates a portion A of the butt of thebilliard cue of FIG. 1A, and the billiard cue assembly of FIG. 1B;

[0016]FIG. 3, in an oblique view, illustrates the portion A of the buttof FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 4, in an enlarged side view, illustrates the portion A of thebutt of FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 4 along theline A-A;

[0019]FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 4 along theline B-B;

[0020]FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the portion A of Figure along theline C-C;

[0021]FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 4 along theline D-D;

[0022]FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 4 along theline E-E;

[0023]FIG. 10A, in a side view, illustrates a billiard cue in accordancewith a third embodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 10B, in a side view, illustrates a billiard cue assembly inaccordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 11, in a side view, illustrates a portion A of the billiardcue of FIG. 10A, and of the billiard cue assembly of FIG. 10B;

[0026]FIG. 12, in an enlarged side view, illustrates the portion A ofthe butt of FIG. 11;

[0027]FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines A-A;

[0028]FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines B-B;

[0029]FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines C-C;

[0030]FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines D-D;

[0031]FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines E-E;

[0032]FIG. 18 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines F-F;

[0033]FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines G-G;

[0034]FIG. 20 shows a sectional view of the portion A of FIG. 12 alongthe lines H-H;

[0035]FIG. 21, in a side view, illustrates a billiard cue having a gripattached thereto in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0036]FIG. 22, in a lengthwise sectional view, illustrates a portion Aof the grip-covered butt of FIG. 21;

[0037]FIG. 23, in a side view, illustrates a billiard cue having a gripattached in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention; and,

[0038]FIG. 24, in a lengthwise sectional view, illustrates a portion Aof the grip-covered butt of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1A, a billiard cue 30 in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in a side view. Thebilliard cue 30 comprises a tapered rod having a tip 32 for striking acue ball at one end and a butt end 34 opposite the tip 32. The billiardcue 30 includes a butt 36 and a shaft 38. A portion A of the butt 36that includes the butt end 34 of the billiard cue 30 embodies theinvention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1B, a billiard cue assembly 31 in accordancewith a second preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in aside view. In the description that follows, the same reference numeralsare used to designate analogous elements of the billiard cue 30 of FIG.1A and the billiard cue assembly 31 of FIG. 1A.

[0041] A billiard cue 30 is formed by a shaft 38 and a butt 36. As isconventional, the butt 36 includes a threaded protrusion 40 that isdimensioned to fit within a mating threaded aperture (not shown) of theshaft 38. The shaft 38 has a tip 32 for striking a cue ball at one endand the threaded aperture at an opposite end 42. The butt 36 has a buttend 34 at one end and the threaded protrusion 40 at the other. When thebutt 36 and shaft 38 are joined together, a billiard cue 30 similar tothat shown in FIG. 1A is formed. A portion A that includes the butt end34 of the butt 36 of FIG. 1B embodies the invention.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the portion A of the billiard cue 30of FIG. 1A and the portion A of the butt 36 of FIG. 1B is illustrated ina side view and an oblique view respectively.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the portion A of the butt 36 of FIGS. 1A and1B is illustrated in an enlarged side view. From the side view, it isapparent that the diameter of the butt 36 is less at section C-C, thanit is at either section B-B or section D-D on either side of sectionC-C. That is, there is a positive taper from section B-B to section C-C,as the thickness of the butt 36 diminishes moving forward from the buttend 34, and there is a reverse taper from section C-C to section D-D asthe thickness of the butt 36 increases moving away from the butt end 34.From section D-D to section E-E, there is a positive taper as thethickness of the butt 36 diminishes moving forward from the butt end 34.From section A-A to section B-B, there is a negative taper as thethickness of the butt increases moving forward from the butt end 34.This geometry is also apparent from FIGS. 5 to 9 that illustrate thesections marked in FIG. 4.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, the butt of FIG. 4 is illustrated in asectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 4. A diameter of the butt 36at section A-A is marked D₁ on FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 6, the butt 36of FIG. 4 is shown in a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG.4. The diameter of the butt 36 at section B-B is marked D₂ on FIG. 6.Referring to FIG. 7, the butt 36 of FIG. 4 is shown in a sectional viewalong the line C-C of FIG. 4. The diameter of the butt 36 at this pointis marked D₃. Referring to FIG. 8, the butt 36 is shown in a sectionalview along the line D-D of FIG. 4. At line D-D, the butt 36 has adiameter D₄. Referring to FIG. 9, the butt 36 of the billiard cue 30 isshown in a sectional view along the line E-E of FIG. 4. The diameter ofthe butt 36 at line E-E of FIG. 4 is designated D₅.

[0045] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1through 9, the diameter of the butt 36 gradually increases from diameterD₁ at section A-A adjoining the butt end 34 to diameter D₂ at sectionB-B. Moving from section B-B away from the butt end 34, the diameter ofthe butt 36 gradually diminishes to the smaller diameter D₃ at sectionC-C. Continuing in the same direction, the diameter of the butt 36 thengradually increases to the diameter D₄ at section D-D, and then againgradually diminishes to the smaller diameter D₅ at section E-E. Thus,there is a reverse taper from larger diameter D₂ at section B-B tosmaller diameter D₁ at section A-A, a positive taper from smallerdiameter D₃ at section C-C to larger diameter D₂ at section B-B, areverse taper from larger diameter D₄ at section D-D to a smallerdiameter D₃ at section C-C, and a positive taper from smaller diameterD₅ at section E-E to larger diameter D₄ at section D-D.

[0046] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the slope of the butt 36resulting from its changing thickness changes without any discontinuity.Thus, on each side of the sections D-D, C-C, and B-B the slope of thebutt 36 gradually becomes zero such that there is no abruptdiscontinuous change in the slope of the butt surface. Instead, theslope of the butt 36 between sections D-D and C-C smoothly merges intothe slope of the butt 36 between sections C-C and B-B. Preferably, asshown in FIG. 4, there is an elongated constant diameter section aroundsection C-C to facilitate gripping.

[0047] In using a billiard cue 30 having the butt 36 of FIG. 4, a userwould hold the butt 36 at a haft portion between sections B-B and D-D.The thickness of the butt 36 between the sections C-C and D-D increasestowards the tip 32, such that the resulting slope will tend to resistthe user's hand slipping forward on the butt 36. This slope will alsoserve as a non-visual aid to the user placing his or her hand, as thechange in thickness of the butt 36 will provide a sensation to the userthat is directly proportional to the distance of the hand along the butt36. At the same time, however, due to the smooth surface provided, theslope of the butt 36 will not adversely affect the aesthetic appearanceof the butt 36, nor will it provide any rough surfaces that may catch onobstructions to ruin a shot.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 10A, a billiard cue 60 in accordance with athird preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in a sideview. The billiard cue is formed by a tapered rod having a tip 62 forstriking a cue ball at one end and a butt end 64 opposite the tip 62.The billiard cue includes a butt 66 and a shaft 68. A portion A thatincludes the butt end 64 of the billiard cue 60 embodies the invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 10B, a billiard cue assembly 61 in accordancewith a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in aside view. In the description that follows, the same reference numeralsare used to designate analogous elements of the billiard cue 60 of FIG.10A and the billiard cue assembly 61 of FIG. 10B. A billiard cue 60 isformed from the assembly 61 by joining a shaft 68 and a butt 66. Theshaft 68 has a tip 62 for striking a cue ball at one end and a threadedaperture (not shown) at an opposite end 72. The butt 66 has a butt end64 atone end and a threaded protrusion 70 at the other. As isconventional, the threaded protrusion 70 is dimensioned to fit withinthe mating threaded aperture of the shaft 68 to attach the butt 66 andshaft 68 together. When the butt 66 and shaft 68 are joined together, abilliard cue similar to that shown in FIG. 1 OA is formed. A portion Athat includes the butt end 64 of the butt 66 of FIG. 10B embodies theinvention.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the portion A of the billiard cue60 of FIG. 10A and the portion A of the butt 66 of FIG. 10B isillustrated in a side view and an enlarged side view respectively.Referring to FIG. 13, the butt 66 of FIG. 12 is illustrated in asectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 12. A diameter of the butt 66at section A-A is marked D_(A) on FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 14, thebutt 66 of FIG. 12 is shown in a sectional view taken along the line B-Bof FIG. 12. The diameter of the butt 66 at section B-B is marked D_(B)on FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 15, the butt 66 of FIG. 12 is shown in asectional view along the line C-C of FIG. 12. The diameter of the butt66 at this point is marked D_(C). Referring to FIG. 16, the butt 66 isshown in a sectional view along the line D-D of FIG. 12. At line D-D,the butt 66 has a diameter D_(D). Referring to FIG. 17, the butt 66 ofFIG. 12 is shown in a sectional view along the line E-E of FIG. 12. Thediameter of the butt 66 at line E-E of FIG. 12 is designated D_(E).Referring to FIG. 18, the butt 66 of FIG. 12 is shown in a sectionalview along the line F-F of FIG. 12. The diameter of the butt 66 at lineF-F of FIG. 12 is designated D_(F). Referring to FIG. 19, the butt 66 ofFIG. 12 is shown in a sectional view along the line G-G of FIG. 12. Thediameter of the butt 66 at line G-G of FIG. 12 is designated D_(G).Referring to FIG. 20, the butt 66 of FIG. 12 is shown in a sectionalview along the line H-H of FIG. 12. The diameter of the butt 66 at lineH-H of FIG. 12 is designated D_(H).

[0051] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 10through 20, the diameter of the butt 66 gradually increases fromdiameter D_(A) adjoining the butt end 64 to diameter D_(B) at sectionB-B, and again increases from section B-B to the diameter D_(C) atsection C-C. Moving from section C-C to section D-D, the diameter of thebutt 66 is unchanged. Moving from section D-D to section E-E, thediameter of the butt 66 diminishes slightly to D_(E). Moving fromsection E-E to section F-F, the diameter of the butt 66 diminishes moremarkedly to diameter D_(F). Moving from section F-F to section G-G, thediameter diminishes only very slightly to diameter D_(G) and continuesto diminish moving to section H-H to a smaller diameter D_(H). Tosummarize, D_(A) is less than D_(B), D_(B) is less than D_(C), D_(C) isequal to D_(D), while D_(D) is greater than D_(E), D_(E) is greater thanD_(F), D_(F) is greater than D_(G) and D_(G) is greater than D_(H).

[0052] According to a specific implementation of the third and fourthembodiments of the invention, D_(A) equals 0.929 inches, D_(B) equals1.10 inches, D_(C) equals 1.129 inches, D_(D) equals 1.129 inches, D_(E)equals 1.126 inches, D_(F) equals 1.104 inches, D_(G) equals 1.099inches and D_(H) equals 1.060 inches. According to this specificimplementation, the distance between section A-A and section B-B is fourinches. This is also the distance separating section B-B and sectionC-C, section E-E and section F-F, section F-F and section G-G, andsection G-G and section H-H. The distance separating section C-C andsection D-D, and separating section D-D and section E-E is two inches.As will be apparent from reviewing these example dimensions, the slopeof the surface of the butt 66 can be quite small. However, the inventionmay readily be implemented by providing much greater slopes along thesurface of the butt 66 at portion A.

[0053] As will be apparent from FIGS. 11 and 12, the slope of the butt66 resulting from its changing thickness changes without anydiscontinuity. Thus, around sections C-C and D-D, the slope of the butt66 gradually becomes zero such that there is no abrupt discontinuouschange in the slope of the butt surface. Instead, the slope of the butt66 around sections C-C and D-D smoothly merges.

[0054] In using a billiard cue 60 having the butt 66 of FIG. 11 or 12 tostrike a cue ball, a user would hold the butt 66 at a haft portionbetween section C-C and section A-A. The slope of the butt 66 betweenthese sections increases towards the tip 62, such that this slope willtend to resist the user's hand slipping forward on the butt 66. Thisslope will also serve as a non-visual aid to the user placing his or herhand, as the changing thickness of the butt 66 will provide a sensationto the user that is directly proportional to the distance of the handalong the butt 66. At the same time, due to the slope of the butt 66being smooth and continuous, the aesthetic appearance of the butt 66 isnot adversely affected. Further, no rough surface is provided that maycatch on obstructions to ruin a shot.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 21, there is illustrated in a side view, abilliard cue 130 having a grip 131 attached thereto in accordance with afifth embodiment of the invention. Billiard cue 130 comprises a tip 132for striking a cue ball at one end, a butt end 134 opposite the tip 132,a butt 136 and a shaft 138. The grip 131 is mounted on a portion A ofthe butt 136 that includes the butt end 134. The grip 131 may also bemounted on a butt of a billiard cue assembly.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 22, the portion A of the butt 136 of FIG. 21having the grip 131 mounted thereon is illustrated in a sectional viewtaken along the length of the butt 136. The grip 131 is generallytube-shaped. The grip 131 includes an inner surface 140 and an outersurface 142. The inner surface 140 is designed to retain the grip 131 ona haft portion of the butt 136. The thickness of the grip 131 variesover its length such that the outer surface 142 provides a series oftapered sections along the haft portion of the cue 130 when the grip 131is mounted thereon.

[0057] As can be seen from FIG. 22, the grip 131 is thicker at sectionsD-D and B-B, then it is at sections E-E, C-C and A-A. This provides thecue 130 with a negative taper from section A-A to section B-B, as thecombined thickness of the butt 136 and grip 131 increases moving forwardfrom the butt end 134. Then, from section B-B to section C-C, there is apositive taper as the combined thickness of the butt 136 and the grip131 decreases moving forward from the butt end 134. From section C-C tosection D-D, there is again a negative taper as the combined thicknessof the grip 131 and the butt 136 increases moving forward from the buttend 134. Finally, from section D-D to section E-E, there is again apositive taper as the combined thickness of the butt 136 and grip 131diminishes moving forward from the butt end 134. The grip 131 ends justafter section E-E.

[0058] Preferably, the slope provided by the changing combined thicknessof the butt 136 and the grip 131 changes without any discontinuity.Thus, on each side of sections D-D, C-C and B-B, the slope of an outersurface 142 of the grip 131 gradually becomes zero such that there is noabrupt discontinuous change in this slope. Instead the slope of theouter surface 142 between sections D-D and C-C smoothly merges into theslope of the outer surface 142 between sections C-C and B-B. Preferably,as shown in FIG. 22, the outer surface 142 of the grip 131 provides anelongated constant diameter section around section C-C to facilitategripping.

[0059] In using a billiard cue 130 having a grip 131 mounted thereon, auser would hold the butt 136 via the grip 131 at the haft portionbetween sections B-B and D-D. The combined thickness of the butt 136 andgrip 131 between the sections C-C and D-D increases towards the tip 132such that the resulting slope will tend to resist the user's handslipping forward on the butt 136. This slope will also serve as anon-visual aid to the user placing his or her hand, as the change incombined thickness of the butt 136 and grip 131 will provide a sensationto the user that is directly proportional to the distance of the handalong the butt 136. At the same time, however, due to the smooth surfaceprovided, the slope of the outer surface 142 of the grip 131 will notadversely affect the aesthetic appearance of the butt 136. Further,rough surfaces that may catch on obstructions to ruin a shot areminimized.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 23, a billiard cue 160 having a grip 161 inaccordance with the sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in a sideview. The billiard cue 160 comprises a tip 162 for striking a cue ballat one end, a butt end 164 opposite the tip 162, a butt 166 and a shaft168. The shaft 166 includes a haft portion at which the butt 166 isgripped to make a shot. In FIG. 23, the grip 161 is shown mounted on thehaft portion of the butt 166 at a portion A of the butt 166.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 24, the portion A of the butt 166 is shown in asectional view taken along the length of the butt 166. The butt 166, atthe haft portion included in portion A, has the grip 161 mountedthereon. As with the grip 131 of FIGS. 21 and 22, the grip 161 of FIGS.23 and 24 is generally tubular in shape. The grip 161 includes an outersurface 172 and an inner surface 170. When mounted on the butt 166, theinner surface 170 is adapted to retain the grip 161 on the haft portion.The grip 161 varies in thickness along its length, such that when thegrip 161 is mounted on the cue 160, the outer surface 172 providestapered sections along the length of the butt 166 that are differentfrom the taper of the butt 166.

[0062] From the side view, it is apparent that the combined thickness ofthe butt 166 and grip 161 increases from section A-A to section B-B, andincreases again from section B-B to section C-C. From section C-C tosection D-D, the combined thickness of the butt 166 and grip 161 issubstantially constant. Moving from section D-D to section E-E, thecombined thickness of the butt 166 and grip 161 diminishes slightly.Moving from section E-E to section F-F, the combined thickness of thebutt 166 and grip 161 diminishes more markedly. Moving from section F-Fto section G-G and from section G-G to section H-H, the combinedthickness of the grip 161 and butt 166 continues to diminish. The grip161 ends just after section H-H.

[0063] As will be apparent from FIGS. 23 and 24, the slope of the outersurface 172 of the grip 161 resulting from its changing thickness aswell as the changing thickness of the butt 166, changes without anydiscontinuity. Thus, around sections C-C and D-D, the slope of the outersurface 172 of the grip 161 gradually becomes zero such that there is noabrupt discontinuous change in the slope of the outer surface 172.Instead, the slope of the outer surface 172 around sections C-C and D-Dsmoothly changes direction.

[0064] In use, the grip 161 is mounted on the butt 166 of the cue 160.This may be done in a variety of different ways. First, the tubular grip161 may be slid over the cue 160 from an end thereof. Alternatively, thegrip 161 could be wrapped around the butt 166 and then secured in place.Alternatively, the grip 161 may be sprayed on the butt 166.

[0065] In using a conventional billiard cue 160 having the grip 161mounted on the butt 166 of the cue 160, a user will hold the grip 161 ata haft portion of the butt 166 between sections C-C and A-A. The slopeof the outer surface 172 between these sections increases towards thetip 162, such that this slope will tend to resist the user's handslipping forward on the butt 166. The slope will also serve as anon-visual aid to the user placing his or her hand, as the changingthickness of the butt 166 will provide a sensation to the user that isdirectly proportional to the distance of the hand along the butt 166. Atthe same time, as a result of the slope of the outer surface 172 beingsmooth and continuous, the aesthetic appearance of the butt 166 is notadversely affected. Further, rough surfaces that may catch onobstructions though on a shot are minimized.

[0066] Other variations and modifications of the invention are possiblewithin the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claimsappended hereto.

1. A billiard cue, comprising: an elongate rod having a ball strikingtip at a first end thereof, and having a haft portion extending alongone-third of the length of said rod from the second end thereof, saidhaft portion being wider than said tip and having a first taperedsection narrowing toward said second end, such that in use in striking aball said cue may be held at a position along said haft portion closerto said second end than an associated widest part of said first taperedsection.
 2. The cue as defined in claim 1 wherein said first taperedsection extends from said associated widest part thereof to said secondend.
 3. The cue as defined in claim 1 wherein said haft portion has asecond tapered section between said ball striking tip and said firsttapered section, and said haft portion narrows from an associated widestpart of said second tapered section towards said ball striking tip. 4.The cue as defined in claim 3 wherein said first tapered section andsaid second tapered section are contiguous.
 5. The cue as defined inclaim 1 wherein said first tapered section has an associated variableslope diminishing to zero at said associated widest part of said firsttapered section.
 6. The cue as defined in claim 5 wherein said haftportion has a second tapered section closer to the ball striking tipthan said first tapered section, said haft portion narrows from anassociated widest part of said second tapered section towards said ballstriking tip; and said second tapered section has an associated variableslope diminishing to zero at said associated widest part of said secondtapered section.
 7. The cue as defined in claim 6 wherein said secondtapered section, at said associated widest part thereof, merges withsaid first tapered section at said associated widest part thereof suchthat said associated slope of said first tapered section merges smoothlyinto said associated slope of said second tapered section.
 8. The cue asdefined in claim 3 wherein said first tapered section extends back fromsaid widest part thereof toward said second end to a slender section;said haft portion comprises a third tapered section between said slendersection and said second end; and said third tapered section widenstoward the second end.
 9. The cue as defined in claim 8 wherein saidfirst tapered section has an associated variable slope diminishing tozero at said slender section; and said third tapered section has anassociated variable slope diminishing to zero at said slender section;such that said first tapered section and said third tapered sectionmerge smoothly at said slender section.
 10. The cue as defined in claim8 wherein said elongate rod comprises a fourth tapered section adjoiningand narrowing toward said second end.
 11. The cue as defined in claim 10wherein said third tapered section extends back from the slender sectiontoward said second end to an associated widest part; and said fourthtapered section is contiguous to said third tapered section at saidassociated widest part and extends back from said associated widest partto said second end.
 12. The cue as defined in claim 11 wherein saidfourth tapered section has an associated variable slope diminishing tozero at said associated widest part; and said associated variable slopeof said third tapered section diminishes to zero at said associatedwidest part such that said third tapered section merges smoothly intosaid fourth tapered section.
 13. A butt of a billiard cue assembly forattachment to a shaft of the billiard cue assembly to form a billiardcue, the shaft having a ball striking tip at one end thereof and anattachment means at the opposite end thereof, the butt comprising amating attachment means at one end thereof for attachment to theattachment means of the shaft to attach the shaft and the butt together;a second end at the other end thereof; and, a haft portion extendingalong two-thirds of the length of the butt from the second end thereof,said haft portion being wider than said tip and having a first taperedsection narrowing toward said second end; such that in use in striking aball said cue may be held at a position along said haft portion closerto said second end than an associated widest part of said first taperedsection.
 14. The butt as defined in claim 13 wherein said first taperedsection extends from said associated widest part thereof to said secondend.
 15. The butt as defined in claim 13 wherein said haft portion has asecond tapered section between said ball striking tip and said firsttapered section, and said haft portion narrows from an associated widestpart of said second tapered section towards said ball striking tip. 16.The cue as defined in claim 15 wherein said first tapered section andsaid second tapered section are contiguous.
 17. The butt as defined inclaim 13 wherein said first tapered section has an associated variableslope diminishing to zero at said associated widest part of said firsttapered section.
 18. The butt as defined in claim 17 wherein said haftportion has a second tapered section between said ball striking tip andsaid first tapered section, said haft portion narrows from an associatedwidest part of said second tapered section towards said ball strikingtip; and said second tapered section has an associated variable slopediminishing to zero at said associated widest part of said secondtapered section.
 19. The butt as defined in claim 18 wherein said secondtapered section, at said associated widest part thereof, merges withsaid first tapered section at said associated widest part thereof suchthat said associated slope of said first tapered section merges smoothlyinto said associated slope of said second tapered section.
 20. The buttas defined in claim 13 wherein said first tapered section extends backfrom said widest part thereof toward said second end to a slendersection; said haft portion comprises a third tapered section betweensaid slender section and said second end; and said third tapered sectionwidens toward the second end.
 21. The butt as defined in claim 20wherein said first tapered section has an associated variable slopediminishing to zero at said slender section; and said third taperedsection has an associated variable slope diminishing to zero at saidslender section; such that said first tapered section and said thirdtapered section merge smoothly at said slender section.
 22. The butt asdefined in claim 20 further comprising a fourth tapered sectionadjoining and narrowing toward said second end.
 23. The butt as definedin claim 22 wherein said third tapered section extends back from theslender section toward said second end to a associated widest part; andsaid fourth tapered section is contiguous to said third tapered sectionat said associated widest part and extends back from said associatedwidest part to said second end.
 24. The butt as defined in claim 23wherein said fourth tapered section has an associated variable slopediminishing to zero at said associated widest part; and said associatedvariable slope of said third tapered section diminishes to zero at saidassociated widest part such that said third tapered section mergessmoothly into said fourth tapered section.
 25. A grip for surrounding abilliard cue, the billiard cue having a ball striking tip at a first endthereof, and having a haft portion extending along one-third of thelength of the cue from a second end thereof, the grip being adapted formounting on the cue and comprising: an inner surface adapted to retainsaid grip on the haft portion when said grip is mounted on the cue; and,an outer surface providing a first tapered section narrowing toward thesecond end of the cue when the grip is mounted thereon; such that whensaid grip is mounted on such a cue, the cue may, in use in striking aball, be held by the grip at a position on the grip closer to the secondend than an associated widest part of said first tapered section of saidgrip.
 26. The grip as defined in claim 25 wherein, when said grip ismounted on a cue, said first tapered section extends from saidassociated widest part thereof to said second end.
 27. The grip asdefined in claim 25 wherein, when said grip is mounted on a cue, asecond tapered section is provided between said ball striking tip andsaid first tapered section, and said second tapered section narrows froman associated widest part of said second tapered section towards saidball striking tip.
 28. The grip as defined in claim 27 wherein, whensaid grip is mounted on a cue, said first tapered section and saidsecond tapered section are contiguous.
 29. The grip as defined in claim25 wherein, when said grip is mounted on a cue, said first taperedsection has an associated variable slope diminishing to zero at saidassociated widest part of said first tapered section.
 30. The grip asdefined in claim 29 wherein, when said grip is mounted on a cue, asecond tapered section is provided closer to the ball striking tip thansaid first tapered section, said second tapered section narrows from anassociated widest part thereof towards said ball striking tip; and saidsecond tapered section has an associated variable slope diminishing tozero at said associated widest part of said second tapered section. 31.The grip as defined in claim 30 wherein, when said grip is mounted on acue, said second tapered section, at said associated widest partthereof, merges with said first tapered section at said associatedwidest part thereof such that said associated slope of said firsttapered section merges smoothly into said associated slope of saidsecond tapered section.
 32. The grip as defined in claim 27 wherein,when said grip is mounted on a cue, said first tapered section extendsback from said widest part thereof toward said second end to a slendersection; a third tapered section is provided between said slendersection and said second end; and said third tapered section widenstoward the second end.
 33. The grip as defined in claim 32 wherein, whensaid grip is mounted on a cue, said first tapered section has anassociated variable slope diminishing to zero at said slender section;and said third tapered section has an associated variable slopediminishing to zero at said slender section; such that said firsttapered section and said third tapered section merge smoothly at saidslender section.
 34. The grip as defined in claim 32 wherein, when saidgrip is mounted on a cue, a fourth tapered section is provided adjoiningand narrowing toward said second end.
 35. The grip as defined in claim34 wherein, when said grip is mounted on a cue, said third taperedsection extends back from the slender section toward said second end toan associated widest part; and said fourth tapered section is contiguousto said third tapered section at said associated widest part and extendsback from said associated widest part to said second end.
 36. The gripas defined in claim 35 wherein, when said grip is mounted on a cue, saidfourth tapered section has an associated variable slope diminishing tozero at said associated widest part; and said associated variable slopeof said third tapered section diminishes to zero at said associatedwidest part such that said third tapered section merges smoothly intosaid fourth tapered section.